Deck Building Cost in Denver, CO
A 16×20 ft deck in Denver costs $8,000 (pressure-treated) to $17,000 (composite) — 14% above the national average.
Denver — PT Wood Deck (16×20)
$8,000
$25/sqft installed
Composite (Trex)
$17,000
$53/sqft; low-maintenance
vs National Average
14% above
Denver labor market
Deck Cost in Denver by Material — 2026 (16×20 ft, 320 sqft)
| Material | Total Cost | Per Sqft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $8,000 | $25/sqft | 15–20 yrs |
| Cedar / Redwood | $11,900 | $37/sqft | 20–30 yrs |
| Composite (Trex, Fiberon) | $17,000 | $53/sqft | 25–30 yrs |
| PVC / capped composite | $19,300 | $60/sqft | 30–50 yrs |
Includes framing, decking, 1 set of stairs, basic railing, and permit. Second story or rooftop decks add 25–50%. Denver labor rates are 14% above the national average.
Get Free Deck Quotes in Denver
Deck builder quotes vary $2,000–$5,000 in Denver for the same project. Get 3 bids from licensed contractors.
Get Free Deck Quotes on AngiAdvertising disclosure: links are paid partnerships. Learn more.
FAQs — Deck Cost in Denver
How much does a deck cost in Denver?
A standard 16×20 ft deck (320 sqft) in Denver, CO costs $8,000 for pressure-treated wood, $11,900 for cedar, and $17,000 for composite (Trex) — 14% above the national average of $8,500. Per-sqft rates: PT wood $25/sqft, composite $53/sqft. Costs include framing, decking boards, stairs, and basic railings.
Is composite or wood decking better in Denver?
In Denver's climate, both PT wood and composite perform well. PT wood requires annual cleaning and biannual sealing. Composite saves $225–$575/year in maintenance and lasts longer. Composite is worth it for most homeowners within 8–10 years.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Denver?
Yes — most deck projects in Denver require a building permit if the deck is attached to the house, over 30 inches off the ground, or over 200 sqft. Permits cost $175–$450 in Denver and require structural drawings and a post-installation inspection. A licensed CO contractor will handle permits as part of the project. Unpermitted decks must be disclosed at sale and may need to be removed or permitted retroactively.
How much does a 12×12 deck cost in Denver?
A 12×12 ft deck (144 sqft) in Denver, CO costs: PT wood $4400–$5200, cedar $6500–$7700, composite $9400–$11100. Smaller decks have higher per-sqft costs since fixed costs (footings, framing, stairs) spread over fewer square feet. A 12×12 is popular for smaller yards and costs approximately 55–65% of a 16×20.
What is the ROI on a deck in Denver?
A wood deck in Denver recoups approximately 65–75% of cost at resale according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. A $8,000 PT wood deck adds $5600–$6000 to your home's value. Composite decks often recoup a similar dollar amount to wood but at a higher cost, so the percentage ROI is lower. In Denver's market, outdoor living spaces are increasingly valued — a well-built deck is one of the top outdoor ROI projects.